Husband, wife team up on massage franchise in Laguna Niguel

In the past year, Mike and Jamie O'Keefe got married and had a baby and now have a business in Laguna Niguel.

The Anaheim Hills couple's Elements Therapeutic Massage franchise is in the Laguna Niguel Promenade on La Paz Road. They plan to move to Laguna Niguel to be closer to their business.

"We liked the culture; we really liked the center and the weather," Mike O'Keefe said.

After working in the real estate industry for years, Jamie O'Keefe became a licensed massage therapist in 2007 following the crash of the housing market.

Mike has been a retail manager for years.

"I've always loved the health and wellness industry; it's just been a passion of mine," Jamie said. "I love helping others, and I always knew I wanted to have my own business. I just never knew it would be a franchise."

Though the O'Keefes don't own the name, they are in complete control of how their new massage business is run, from staffing to finances. They said having the resources of an established business will help them break into the competitive massage industry, especially in the upscale community they will be serving.

Jamie said the venture is very personal for the two. While a lot of franchise owners are just investors, Jamie said she and her husband will be heavily involved in the day-to-day operations – especially Jamie, who will be one of nine massage therapists at the location.

Though the decision to open the business was mostly to follow Jamie's dream, Mike said the massage-therapy industry continues to grow, even in a still-shaky economic time. "It's a stable industry in this economy, which is great," he said.

Despite their confidence, the couple acknowledged there will be challenges, including competition, attracting customers and hiring the right staff.

"There are competitors in the industry everywhere," Mike said. "Our goal is to give somebody the massage they need."

Jamie said a big challenge was selecting her staff of massage therapists, who will be entrusted to bring in customers and keep them coming back.

The O'Keefes said another part of hiring employees is keeping them happy so they always give a positive vibe. Jamie will be in charge of the therapists, while Mike will manage the business end.

The couple said they want to participate in community events, sponsor school events and join the Chamber of Commerce.